The Pacific Dental Services Foundation’s Dentists for Special Needs office in Phoenix, Ariz., is the first dental office in the U.S. to be named a Certified Autism Center.
At least 80% of patient-facing staff at the office completed specialized training on how to communicate with and support autistic individuals in order to receive the designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, according to an Oct. 3 news release shared with Becker's.
In addition to specially trained staff, the dental office includes dedicated appointments to reduce patient anxiety and a sensory room that accommodates patients with sensory sensitivities.